MEDIA WITH IZZY
R'n'B GENRE
The genre for our music video is R'n'B and we decided to look at examples of music videos of this genre. We listed conventions of R'n'B videos, such as: aritfical lighting and a romantic plot. Our music video had similarities and differences. Similarities being that there was a romantic plot and the differences being that the women in R'n'B videos are normally scantily clad but mine were not.
We realised that a plethora of artists associated themselves with R&B, resulting in a variety of different R&B styles.
R'n'B music videos often contain a story line, which may or may not relate to the lyrics. If it relates to the video, there will often be a romantic plot that follows suit. However, if it does not the video is still visually entertaining.
A variety of camera shots were used in order to depict either the narrative, concept or performance. Enabling the audience to see things from a different perspective thus, making it more interesting and entertaining.
An example of this would be Usher's 'Yeah', which follows a clear, action-packed narrative. One could argue that Usher's narrative videos contributed to his fame and success, as he is recognised largely by the short films incorperated into his music videos.
Artists often perform dance routines in R'n'B music videos. An example of this would be TLC's video "No Scrubs".
Another convention of this genre is voyeurism. The audience that R'n'B attracts is because majority of the women are scantily clad. TLC began with oversized, "unflattering" attire (seen above) but as there career progressed they began to wear more revealing, tight clothing (seen below).
TLC
R&B music videos are often narrtives, perfomances or a combination of both. This music video is a perfomance, which conforms to the R&B genre.
In this particular shot the performers appear to be powerful and superior because of the low angle.
This depiction of performers is also seen through R&B music videos.
This high angle, reveals this performers shape, acting as the male gaze looking down onto her body. This is reinforced as she is made to look weak, almost like prey and the audience is the predator.
Lyrics within an R'n'B music video often rotate around the relationship between a man and a woman. In TLC's song "No Scrubs" they define that "scrubs" are men who have no aspiration or career. They, also, sing about how those men degrade women by proceeding to yell obscence words from the "left hand side of the passenger side". The singers express their feelings about this, clearly saying they are not interested in such men.
HOWEVER
A lot of the time R&b songs revolve around a relationship with the opposite sex, and it is no different in Scrubs. Although the lyrics do not express a relationship, it deals with their feelings towards certain me (the opposite sex) and towards the end of the song expresses ideal traits for a future relationship.
Keri Hilson
The narrative and also lyric content conform to conventions of R&B, Which often revolve around a relationship.
In this case the relationship is between Kanye West and the artist, Kerri Hilson.
When Love Knocks You Down - Kerri Hilson ft Kanye West
COSTUME
Black sunglassses
Black necklace
Red Tshirt
Black Jacket
Kanye West's costume consists of mostly dark clothing, seen i the medium shot of him and the close up of his face.
The sunglasses make Kaynye appear 'cool' and slick, which is a convention in R&B music videos in regards to men, whist also corresponding with fashion trends at the time. Being dressed in black and wearing sunglasses were - and still are a sign of sophistication and class. This is reinforced through the slight high angle as the camer slighlt looks up at Kanye in the meduim close up shot - establishing his status as a man in this music video.
Black sunglassses
Black Jacket
Red Tshirt
Black necklace
Black Cardigan
Burgundy tie
Black sunglasses
Burgundy hat
Neyo reinforces this, wearing a black cardigan, black sunglasses and a burgundy hat and tie.
Tattoos are also perceived to be 'cool' and trendy, which is also relevant now. Many people, especially young people beleieve tattoos are fashionable today.
The importance of aesthetics and tattos are reinforced in this close up of a man's arm.
His wealth is also highlighted through the gold bracelet and ring he wears. This suggests that the men who conform to this particular look will always be successful in terms of relationships and contact with women which is seen often in the R&B genre.
Kerry also adds black clothing into her costume. contributing to the portrayal of women in R&B music videos, she wears a extremly low cut tshirt, reavealing her clevage
LOVE IN MUSIC VIDEOS
Their unity is also represented through costume, both artists wear black and also wear sunglasses.
There is an obvious link between the visuals annd the lyrics in this music video - which revolves around love. Kanye West and Kerry Hilson's relationship is emphaised throughout the whole video.
THE USE OF LIGHTING
High key lighting is used to emphasis the positive portrayal of their love - their relationship seems dreamlike and unreal
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN LYRICS AND VISUALS
From Kanye West's Verse
"Let the hourglass pass right into ashes
Let the wind blow the ash right before my glasses
So I wrote this love letter right before my classes"
"So I wrote this love letter right before my classes"
Every morning I look at you and smile
Cause boy you came around and you knocked me down... knocked me down
[Chorus:]
Sometimes love comes around
(Love comes around)
And it knocks you down
Just get back up
The lyrics help to reinforce the theme of love durring the music video, as seen in the extract of Keri Hilson's verse and also the chorus.
Sometimes love comes around
(Love comes around)
And it knocks you down
Just get back up
When it knocks you down
(Knocks you down)
Sometimes love comes around
(Love comes around)
And it knocks you down
Just get back up
When it knocks you down
(Knocks you down)